McDonald's unveils design of future

CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -McDonald's said Monday that its popular Rock 'N' Roll restaurant in downtown Chicago will be leveled for the restaurant of the future -- a two-story, glass-clad eatery that will feature wireless Internet and a rooftop garden.

McDonald's undraped an oversized billboard in Chicago depicting the 20,000 square foot restaurant -- almost triple the size of the 21-year-old store that sits on a full-block site. The new store will double the number of seats to 300, spokeswoman Lisa Howard said.

The Rock 'N' Roll McDonald's with its Elvis pictures, framed gold records and refurbished 1950s-model cars is the nation's third-busiest restaurant, behind one at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and a locally owned site in Orlando, Fla. Worldwide, it is the 12th-most-popular restaurant. Franchisee Marilyn Wright has owned the restaurant for a decade.

McDonald's will close the store at 5 a.m. Monday, July 19, to begin construction of the new building, which will open in 2005. The event is considered the first of many that will honor the world's largest hamburger chain's 50th anniversary on April 15, 2005.

Howard said the company hasn't decided on a theme for the restaurant or even a name. Though the store is being designed with a futuristic bent, it also will retain founder Ray Kroc's penchant for red and yellow colors with a retro look. Among novelties such as self-serve kiosks, the site also will feature a two-lane drive-through.

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